Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles after dismantling a roadblock mounted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The successful operation was carried out on Wednesday by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector II of Operation HADIN KAI as part of sustained offensive operations against terrorists in the North-East.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Maiduguri by the Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni.
According to Goni, troops stationed at Dutse Kura detected the terrorists setting up the illegal roadblock through surveillance cameras, prompting the immediate deployment of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to intercept them.
He said the troops swiftly engaged the insurgents, pursuing them toward the Mangari–Dora axis, where a fierce gun battle ensued.
The superior firepower of the troops forced the terrorists to abandon the roadblock and flee into nearby bushes.
“During the operation, 53 innocent civilians were rescued, while eight vehicles earlier seized by the terrorists were recovered,” Goni said.
He added that the troops advanced further to clear the terrorists’ escape route, dominated the area, and conducted follow-up search operations, although no further contact was made with the fleeing insurgents.
According to the military spokesman, the rescued civilians, recovered vehicles, and other valuables were safely evacuated to Buratai, while the victims are undergoing documentation and medical assessment.
Goni commended the troops for their swift and decisive response, describing the operation as another significant success in the ongoing campaign to eliminate terrorist activities in the North-East.
He urged residents within the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence on suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
He assured that the security situation in the area remains under control, with troops sustaining aggressive offensive operations and maintaining dominance across the theatre of operations.
SOURCE: NAN
